Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: norbs on January 18, 2013, 08:39:34 PM
-
Is there an online video review that actually made any sense?
-
More context perhaps?
-
most of it is marketing speak.... very little content that actually means anything or is in context to what they are saying....
Maybe it is just me
-
If you are talking about paul jason ishhh online video reviews so the answer is YES, i actually learned a lot and hence might be knocking his door @ijc in summer during my UK visit 8)
Dont know about others but i guess everybody will share their thoughts :)
-
most of it is marketing speak.... very little content that actually means anything or is in context to what they are saying....
Maybe it is just me
Perhaps you should contact the people in question and make suggestions?
-
I actually like Jason he kicked this all off.... if there was an a little smiley face that doft his cap I would put it here
-
Perhaps you should contact the people in question and make suggestions?
Why?
-
I watch them but it does not make me buy.
I have seen many marketing ways and many people try and tell me that there bats the best.
Only real way to see is buy one and use one for a period of time.
I have to admit I,am slightly sick of the over sales speak which is and has but me off sales.
It not just in video either it also in words sometimes
-
Yes people need to stop saying the same thing
It like roboticnic sales crap.
You on the cider again Andy
-
I think the videos are good for people that can only buy online and can't get to the shops themselves, you don't have to listen to what's being said always ;)
-
Yes people need to stop saying the same thing
It like roboticnic sales crap.
You on the cider again Andy
Nope mate I worked out what you were on about and deleted my comment
-
For me, I only find them useful in getting a better idea of the profile of a bat. Easier to judge than just from pictures.
-
It's about 'social media marketing' really. Doesn't really matter what they say about in the review as the only aim of it is to drive people towards the websites....they could sing a little song and it would still have an effect! I don't mind them though. I don't believe any of the sales patter but I like being able to see the bats on video as opposed to in still photos...
-
pauls latest affinity one is my fav tho
where he says listen the bat bat ping off the toe or what ever.... and hes smashing it in middle of the bat lol
-
That's a good point pedals about seeing the bat in question there are pro's for sure
-
the best bat review video's ive seen are from Fraser @ GCCC, he is a natural in front of the camera, and he can he actually hold a bat
Kookaburra Players Bats (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiIOzN4C37w#ws)
-
It's about 'social media marketing' really. Doesn't really matter what they say about in the review as the only aim of it is to drive people towards the websites....they could sing a little song and it would still have an effect! I don't mind them though. I don't believe any of the sales patter but I like being able to see the bats on video as opposed to in still photos...
I'm going to sing a song in my next review :D
-
Oklahoma?
-
Do it! :D
Failing that maybe just a spot of elevator music?
-
the best bat review video's ive seen are from Fraser @ GCCC, he is a natural in front of the camera, and he can he actually hold a bat
See there is still (No Swearing Please) in that, soft timber WTF!!!!
-
Oklahoma?
Nah!!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6_vyGuhkfA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6_vyGuhkfA)
-
Come on Andy . . . Lets see you do one.
-
Come on Andy . . . Lets see you do one.
I have your turn next!
-
What worries me is that people see it, accept that the information is fact without bothering to check it and then repeats it.
-
See there is still (No Swearing Please) in that, soft timber WTF!!!!
he's an Ozzie we'l let him off :)
-
What worries me is that people see it, accept that the information is fact without bothering to check it and then repeats it.
I saw a kitbag interview thing where Mike Hussey said he preferred soft pressed bats... perhaps from there it begins...
-
Nah!!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6_vyGuhkfA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6_vyGuhkfA)
Ah whimsy. Much better choice!
-
I saw a kitbag interview thing where Mike Hussey said he preferred soft pressed bats... perhaps from there it begins...
Soft pressed bats..... :( I get asked for them by players and all it means is that after 1000 hits in the nets off the middle they are ready to play....
Sorry I meant the resonance of the pressing is right... [which also makes no sense]
-
Whilst its a bit cheesy the videos do serve a purpose especially for those who have to buy blind as we cant walk in a local shop and pick up a particular bat or brand. Its a positive trend and I hope it continues.
-
Ah whimsy. Much better choice!
Is whimsy like the banksy of the opera world ;-)
-
Soft pressed bats..... :( I get asked for them by players and all it means is that after 1000 hits in the nets off the middle they are ready to play....
Sorry I meant the resonance of the pressing is right... [which also makes no sense]
I meant it's like cricket's version of Chinese whispers. Like the flat face thing 'a lot of people are going for them these days', well the way big companies are going, what choice do they have?
-
I know what you are saying another solution to marketing problem for big edges....
flat pressing isnt a bad thing, I very much doubt anyone can tell you why it is though
we have enough experts on here so there should be an answer
-
My source says the sole reason he produces flat faced bats is to get a bigger edge.
-
My source says the sole reason he produces flat faced bats is to get a bigger edge.
Thats the rumour but there is another benefit to it
-
I have a simple method of buying a bat…
Go to a shop.
Is it in the price I can afford.
Does it not look like a dayglo nightmare.
Pick it up. Does it feel nice and balanced.
Does it make a nice low noise with a mallet
Done.
All this (No Swearing Please) about looking for the best pinging bats with x profile and y size edges is rubbish - how on earth 99% of people (most of us being club players) think they can make an educated guess on how a bat will perform long term is beyond me. I've had a couple of bats that felt great in the pickup, didn't bounce like a trampoline with a mallet but turned out to be cracking bats.
I'm sure most bats will turn out to be perfectly suitable and perform well enough for our needs if we give them enough time.
And for all those who are going to say that they need to feel confident with a bat to use it, it has to have this, it has to have that. If it feels good - use it - why not spend the money on some coaching lessons and make yourself a better player, one who doesn't need the perfect bat to feel good, but one who can score runs no matter - Surely that's the whole point?
-
pauls latest affinity one is my fav tho
where he says listen the bat bat ping off the toe or what ever.... and hes smashing it in middle of the bat lol
Just watched it and that was the exact same thing I thought!
-
Right guys I think I did what I set out to do...
Have a think about things and discuss
Probably see you on Monday
-
Just watched it and that was the exact same thing I thought!
I thought that watching it back, but I know where I was hitting it - a slight optical illusion I think. If anyone really wants to check, pause the video at point of impact the first few times it strikes after I move it down...
-
Right guys I think I did what I set out to do...
Have a think about things and discuss
Probably see you on Monday
Monday's not good for me - can we re-schedule?
-
I think this is all quite a bit harsh. Yes, I can get a bit excitable in some of these videos (sorry, but I enjoy doing them), yes I can exaggerate a little now and again, and yes, Fraser from Australia is probably a better batsman than I am, but as Previn said, these videos serve a purpose, and although I am, of course, trying to sell the bats I review (how would I be able to pay the bills otherwise?!) I still strive to be as honest and thorough as I possibly can, and most people seem to appreciate that and feel it comes across. In fact, recent comments have been extremely positive, and if you've noticed, I don't always shower the bats with praise in the videos - I have even been fairly critical of some bats in recent reviews, notably the e41 and Newbery Tomahawk. Perhaps watch these videos before making such sweeping judgements...
I am genuinely enthused by Marcus's brand, Affinity, and the Spectre, in particular, stands out to me as a stunningly impressive bat. Having never made a bat by hand, I am no expert when it comes to balance or pressing, but our core audience are people who know less about bats than many on this forum, and in many ways, speaking about "resonance" is a layman's term description of how to judge good ping by sound. This may not make as much sense to people who make bats for a living as it does to our core target audience, but to be honest, I don't really care.
These videos take quite a lot of time and effort, and a lot of them are of hand picked bats that we've spent an awful lot of time and consideration in selecting for our shelves. Generally, I will only review kit that we stock, and we also tend to only stock kit that I like, so naturally, they will often come across as very positive. And then, when an absolute gem, like the Spectre, crosses my path, I am obviously going to rave about it - and for good reason. Those who have had the pleasure of seeing one in the flesh, or better still, use one, have unanimously agreed with me.
Funny that threads like this only appear when we've reached over 105,000 video views...
-
I think this is all quite a bit harsh. Yes, I can get a bit excitable in some of these videos (sorry, but I enjoy doing them), yes I can exaggerate a little now and again, and yes, Fraser from Australia is probably a better batsman than I am, but as Previn said, these videos serve a purpose, and although I am, of course, trying to sell the bats I review (how would I be able to pay the bills otherwise?!) I still strive to be as honest and thorough as I possibly can, and most people seem to appreciate that and feel it comes across. In fact, recent comments have been extremely positive, and if you've noticed, I don't always shower the bats with praise in the videos - I have even been fairly critical of some bats in recent reviews, notably the e41 and Newbery Tomahawk. Perhaps watch these videos before making such sweeping judgements...
I am genuinely enthused by Marcus's brand, Affinity, and the Spectre, in particular, stands out to me as a stunningly impressive bat. Having never made a bat by hand, I am no expert when it comes to balance or pressing, but our core audience are people who know less about bats than many on this forum, and in many ways, speaking about "resonance" is a layman's term description of how to judge good ping by sound. This may not make as much sense to people who make bats for a living as it does to our core target audience, but to be honest, I don't really care.
These videos take quite a lot of time and effort, and a lot of them are of hand picked bats that we've spent an awful lot of time and consideration in selecting for our shelves. Generally, I will only review kit that we stock, and we also tend to only stock kit that I like, so naturally, they will often come across as very positive. And then, when an absolute gem, like the Spectre, crosses my path, I am obviously going to rave about it - and for good reason. Those who have had the pleasure of seeing one in the flesh, or better still, use one, have unanimously agreed with me.
Funny that threads like this only appear when we've reached over 105,000 video views...
*Bite*
-
I say keep up the good work Paul
-
Didnt you video review something a few years ago Johnny, an armguard or thighpad?
Would be interesting to compare that and see if the video reviews have improved since then, lol
-
I did some Vantage pads and a Hunts County bag - my efforts were bobbins :(
-
Thats the rumour but there is another benefit to it
The ball will actually travel straighter off the bat instead of slice like a round faced bat if hit off centre therefore putting more force behind the ball
-
I did some Vantage pads and a Hunts County bag - my efforts were bobbins :(
Did you not do that as a rap? That could have worked....really!
-
Rappers do have strippers in their videos, so a thigh pad rap could work.
-
I like the reviews Paul, have watched plenty of them. As you say they probably aren't aimed at kit geeks like you find on here so try not to take any criticism too personally (easier said than done I know!) at the end of the day if they keep the till ringing then they are doing their job :)
-
I understand that Norbs probably knows more about cricket bats (and the engineering involved) than the majority of us. But there isn't really an excuse for other members who have decided to stick the boot in.
Some of this thread seems pretty typical of keyboard warrior behaviour. It's easy picking holes in something that someone has put a lot of time and effort into, but could anyone here really say that they could do better?
I don't always agree with some of Jason's videos, sometimes some of the things said are just, well, wrong. But you don't see me putting my head above the parapet and releasing a video, and most importantly, you don't see me publicly criticising him at the first opportunity.
I have not watched much of Pauls stuff, but having met him i get the sense that he's passionate about the products he sells, and no doubt wants to give people as much info as possible about the bats etc, video reviews are a great way to do this.
As long as someone isn't setting out to spread pure lies, i think videos of this type are most relevant for people wanting to get a proper look at the product in question, a little information (as long as it's relevant and not misleading) and chatter going on from the reviewer keeps the person watching entertained.
*side note/plug* - We are considering releasing some video content. First up will be a video tour of our facility, so you can all get a better look at exactly what we have to offer. I may also release some weekly net/training drills (probably with footage of me attempting not to get cleaned up by the bowling machine) and some 'fun' releases too. Product reviews may be an occasional thing, but i don't want to be seen as a copycat.
-
someone made the statement about how easy it is to buy a bat and his first statement was walk into a cricket store..
now take that out of the equation and think...there is no cricket store within 1000 miles of your house...
all of a sudden the guy making videos just trying to make a living for him and his family on youtube isnt as bad after all...is he..:)
just saying..
-
I understand that Norbs probably knows more about cricket bats (and the engineering involved) than the majority of us. But there isn't really an excuse for other members who have decided to stick the boot in.
Some of this thread seems pretty typical of keyboard warrior behaviour. It's easy picking holes in something that someone has put a lot of time and effort into, but could anyone here really say that they could do better?
I don't always agree with some of Jason's videos, sometimes some of the things said are just, well, wrong. But you don't see me putting my head above the parapet and releasing a video, and most importantly, you don't see me publicly criticising him at the first opportunity.
I have not watched much of Pauls stuff, but having met him i get the sense that he's passionate about the products he sells, and no doubt wants to give people as much info as possible about the bats etc, video reviews are a great way to do this.
As long as someone isn't setting out to spread pure lies, i think videos of this type are most relevant for people wanting to get a proper look at the product in question, a little information (as long as it's relevant and not misleading) and chatter going on from the reviewer keeps the person watching entertained.
*side note/plug* - We are considering releasing some video content. First up will be a video tour of our facility, so you can all get a better look at exactly what we have to offer. I may also release some weekly net/training drills (probably with footage of me attempting not to get cleaned up by the bowling machine) and some 'fun' releases too. Product reviews may be an occasional thing, but i don't want to be seen as a copycat.
doing something different is key mate...video reviews are cool...but norbs is onto something with his little quirky finger URL links and bat geek talk...there is an audience for that for sure...i watch all his videos as i have a thirst for knowledge and learning about the industry and have a good laugh at the same time...be different, stand out and people will take notice...keep it short and to the point...think " top gear "...how many VW's do they review...probably a lot more Ferraris than beetles...do something that will make people take notice of you...good luck...i look forward to watching..
-
Itsjustcricket - to long quote mate, but will take that comment back resonance is a decent way of explaining pressing. I was thinking of resonance more as the bending modes at the time and over complicated it in my unusual mind.... So sorry
That comment wasnt aimed at you, Jason etc it was a general comment about review vids from people on the web. For godsake mine have a dog and a gorilla in it.! I looked at a few before I did mine and thought, they witter on about stuff and it makes no sense. Therefore the thread, like I said if it gets you thinking great if gets you on the defensive that wasn't the point and it was more then likely not aimed at you.
PS. Just seen the vid you did and it looks like you are hitting the toe :D
-
why does no one use scales or batting gloves in a video review?
-
Couple of comments
1) video reviews are really good for people like me who are in USA and have no cricket store to visit
2) we have to understand that it's a review of that particular bat and not a comparison with other bats. Comparing with other bats will be not healthy for a retailer
3) there will be repetitive info in the videos after all it's just a bat. One has to discuss edges, ping, grains, spine
4) think of these videos as an introduction to a product
Keep up he good work paul and jason
-
why does no one use scales or batting gloves in a video review?
we do sometimes
-
I suppose if they are looking to sell or talking about pickup makes sense.
As a quick aside a flat roller pressing should give you a more uniform pressing hence the other benefit!
-
I have to say that the majority of what's been said isn't venomous, if anything it's an opportunity to take away the opinions and refine the online review. Paul and Jason have added something new.
I have no problem with these videos, I do have a problem with rumours and poor information being spread. I've attempted through my blog to highlight the danger of fact and subjective opinion being interchanged but it appears no one cares. The general cricket consumer couldn't care less about the back story, they want the flash. Paul is correct this forum doesn't represent the everyday cricketer and he's supplying that market remember.
It could be worse, at least no ones mentions bloomin laminates in a video yet.
-
I have to say that the majority of what's been said isn't venomous, if anything it's an opportunity to take away the opinions and refine the online review. Paul and Jason have added something new.
It could be worse, at least no ones mentions bloomin laminates in a video yet.
I think the most venomous comment was the one the admin removed last night! But I do agree to an extent - I do take this sort of thing on board and will refine the videos accordingly. For example, Buzz suggested I pick the bats up with just my left hand, half way up the grip, and have since started to do that because I felt it was a good idea. I still have a confined space, and I am very tall, so I know the pick-up looks a bit strange sometimes - and not exactly how I pick a bat up in a match, but you get the idea... So yes, I do heed some comments, and if people want to see a review of a specific product, I will often do this in pretty good time too - again, it fulfills a purpose, and whilst may not be to everyone's tastes, helps put food on my table. I really enjoy doing them too...
-
If what you do gets people through the door then it's worked. You're selling yourself and the business not necessarily the exact bat in your hand at the time.
-
not sure I can believe some of this thread. I applaud anybody who gets off their (No Swearing Please) and tries to promote and inform the public about their stock. Many people buy online and look for reviews to help the buying process. Nobody is a politician and sometimes they get a bit carried away with using terms like "ping" but they are making an effort. That's what counts!
As long as the feedback is constructive for the reviewers thats good, but some people do overthink what the reviewers are doing. They are just trying to help potential buyers. We have a CBF yotube channel if anybody outside Jason and Paul wants a crack!
-
There's a lot of misinformation in the cricket world, from the shops, the manufacturers, forums, players everywhere you look. Whether it's soft timber being talked about, or edge size. The videos aren't intentionally misleading, although I accept on occasion they can be, it's exactly the same words you see repeated here day in day out.
As a concept, the are great for those not able to reach a store, and have to buy blind. The problem is the overall misinformation, which is spread. And that's not anyone's fault, it's just a lack of full understanding of the process and what makes a good bat. Heck, I don't know what makes a good bat.
Maybe a good idea would be a forum hangout/video Q&A with someone like Norbs or James Laver, who really do know their onions. 9 people could participate and ask questions, whilst others watch. http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html (http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html). We all learn something. It's more interractive than a Q&A on here. And the content of the videos improves.
-
Hard to really find anything wrong with the video bat reviews - I'm quite immune to talk of ping and balance (albeit less so), though it's good to see a range of other angles of a bat. To me they're little different to a webpage. Definitely seen some time where the reviewer hasn't shown themselves in the most knowledgeable light, though kudos for them for having the marbles to stick themselves out there.
Not too sure on the "I've got 5 kids to feed" nonsense any time anyone questions something about your business though... ;)
-
Couple of comments
1) video reviews are really good for people like me who are in USA and have no cricket store to visit
2) we have to understand that it's a review of that particular bat and not a comparison with other bats. Comparing with other bats will be not healthy for a retailer
3) there will be repetitive info in the videos after all it's just a bat. One has to discuss edges, ping, grains, spine
4) think of these videos as an introduction to a product
Keep up he good work paul and jason
Hi Amit, good feedback and thank you for it. Just on your point about comparisons though, I'm not sure I agree with that. Check out our videos of the Newbery Tour and the (newly uploaded) Newbery Thruxton and you'll see what I mean...
-
Maybe a good idea would be a forum hangout/video Q&A with someone like Norbs or James Laver, who really do know their onions. 9 people could participate and ask questions, whilst others watch. [url]http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html[/url] ([url]http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html[/url]). We all learn something. It's more interractive than a Q&A on here. And the content of the videos improves.
Jason did one of these for his Hammer launch at the time I thought it was a great idea....
Here is an example of what I was talking about for a dodgy review
Making a cricket bat.m4v (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTp0q3HiD0E#ws)
-
the best bat review video's ive seen are from Fraser @ GCCC, he is a natural in front of the camera, and he can he actually hold a bat
Kookaburra Players Bats ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiIOzN4C37w#ws[/url])
The line "They're made of really soft timber" is great!
-
So the weight of a cricket bat comes down to the compressing not pressing turned it off at that point
-
Jason did one of these for his Hammer launch at the time I thought it was a great idea....
Here is an example of what I was talking about for a dodgy review
Making a cricket bat.m4v ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTp0q3HiD0E#ws[/url])
Wonder how much it went for?